Novelty device

ABSTRACT

A novelty device is disclosed. The device includes a housing sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection, and includes a sound generator module disposed within the housing. The sound generator module is configured to store one or more recordable sounds. The device further includes a sound capture circuit including a push button and microphone, wherein, upon depression of the push button, sounds captured by the microphone are captured and stored in the audio circuit for playback by the sound generator module. The device optionally also includes a movement module configured to cause vibration of the housing. The device also includes a movement detection circuit integrated within the housing and configured to activate the sound generator module and the optional movement module upon detection of a shaking action of the novelty device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/729,134, filed Nov. 21, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Gifts are often exchanged on birthdays, holidays, or during other events, to celebrate the occurrence of the event. Such gifts are typically packaged in a box or other packaging, and are wrapped in wrapping paper to further decorate and provide surprise as to the identity of the gift.

It is sometimes the case that an intended recipient of a gift may be curious about the identity of a gift, and may try to determine the identity of the gift prior to unwrapping the gift, for example by shaking or otherwise jostling the gift package. Although glassware or other fragile gifts can be damaged in this way, in general this type of action is common to determine a weight or identity of a gift without having anyone be able to detect that they tried to determine the identity of the gift contained therein.

Some novelty devices exist which can be configured to be placed on a package and emit sounds based on detection of a tilting movement of that package. For example U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,467 provides one example of a tag that can be added to a gift as a name tag on an exterior of the gift, and which can emit one of a plurality of prerecorded sounds.

However, these devices have disadvantages. For example, the existing devices are designed for use on an exterior of a package, and therefore are detectable by the intended recipient, even when it may be desired by the gift giver that the novelty device be kept obscured. Furthermore, because such devices are designed for use on an exterior of a package, they are designed for use at lower volume, since they need not be able to emit sounds audible through packaging. Still further, such devices do not provide a practical, low cost mechanism by which additional sounds, or custom sounds, can be recorded for playback upon detecting movement of the package. Furthermore, such devices are often designed to be seen, rather than obscured, and as such do not provide the same element of surprise as would be possible if capable of being positioned entirely within the package.

For these and other reasons, improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the following disclosure, the above and other issues are addressed by the following:

In a first aspect, a novelty sound emitting system includes a novelty sound emitting device. The device includes a housing sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection, and a sound generator module disposed within the housing, the sound generator module including a speaker, an audio circuit, and a battery, wherein the audio circuit is configured to store one or more recordable sounds. The device further includes a sound capture circuit including a push button and microphone, wherein, upon depression of the push button, sounds captured by the microphone are captured and stored in the audio circuit for playback by the sound generator module. The device also includes a movement detection circuit integrated within the housing and configured to activate the sound generator module to playback a recordable sound stored in the audio circuit upon detection of a shaking action of the novelty sound emitting device.

In a second aspect, a method of providing a gift to an intended recipient is disclosed. The method includes depressing a push button switch on a novelty sound emitting device to capture an intended sound in an audio circuit of the sound emitting device. The device has a housing sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection, and the audio circuit and push button switch are integrated therein alongside a microphone usable to capture the intended sound. The audio circuit electrically connected to a speaker also positioned within the housing. The method further includes affixing the novelty sound emitting device within a gift package, wherein, upon the gift package being shaken by an intended recipient, the intended sound is emitted from the speaker of the novelty sound emitting device.

In a third aspect, a novelty sound emitting device is disclosed that includes a housing sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection, and a sound generator module disposed within the housing. The sound generator module includes a speaker, an audio circuit, and a battery, wherein the audio circuit is configured to store one or more recordable sounds. The device further includes a movement detection circuit integrated within the housing and configured to activate the sound generator module to playback a recordable sound stored in the audio circuit upon detection of a shaking action of the novelty sound emitting device.

In a fourth aspect, a novelty system is disclosed. The novelty system includes a novelty device that has a housing sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection. The novelty device further includes a movement module disposed within the housing and configured to store one or more vibration patterns, and a sound generator module disposed within the housing, the sound generator module including a speaker, an audio circuit, and a battery, wherein the audio circuit is configured to store one or more recordable sounds. The sound capture circuit includes a push button and microphone, wherein, upon depression of the push button, sounds captured by the microphone are captured and stored in the audio circuit for playback by the sound generator module. The novelty device further includes a movement detection circuit integrated within the housing and configured to generate outputs upon detection of a shaking action of the novelty device, wherein the outputs comprise one or more of activation of the sound generator module to playback a recordable sound stored in the audio circuit and activation of the vibration module to trigger a vibration pattern stored in the vibration circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall novelty system, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a novelty device, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates internal circuitry components of the novelty device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates the novelty device of FIG. 2 positioned within a gift package;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method of operation of the novelty system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a second example method of operation of the novelty system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a third example method of operation of the novelty system of FIG. 1 in which a mobile device acts as a novelty device, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a fourth example method of operation of the novelty system of FIG. 1 in which a mobile device acts as a novelty device, according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate example user interface screens of an application executable on a mobile device and usable to transfer sounds to the novelty device; and

FIGS. 12-16 illustrate example user interface screens of an application executable on a mobile device to operate as a novelty device, in an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As briefly described above, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a novelty system, and in particular a novelty sound emitting and/or vibrating device to be positioned within a package.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall novelty system 10. The system 10 includes a server 12 communicatively connected to a mobile device 14 (e.g., a mobile phone or tablet) via a network 16. The server 12 provides a downloadable application for use on the mobile device 14 via the network 16 for use in sampling, and simulating use of a novelty device 100, as well as for use in transferring sounds to the novelty device 100. Example screens illustrating such use of the mobile device and downloadable application are provided below in connection with FIGS. 7-9. The server 12 can also, in some embodiments, deliver sound effects or settings to the mobile device for immediate playback or playback at predetermined times, such as in cases where the mobile device acts as the novelty device 100.

In some embodiments, mobile device 14 is usable as the novelty device. In such embodiments, the mobile device is configured to act in a “limited functionality mode”, or “gift mode” as discussed further below. In such a mode, the mobile device 14 is configured to deactivate various communications or other functionality of the device in a “lockout” mode. The lockout mode requires entry of a PIN number or other key to access the code, and acts to preserve battery life of the mobile device while it is positioned within the package to be associated with the message.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate the novelty device 100, according to an example embodiment. The device has a housing 102 constructed from a low cost, lightweight material, including but not limited to a resilient foam and paper material; any member of the plastics family such as High-Density Polythene, Polyethylene terephthalate and Polyvinyl Chloride; composite materials such as Carbon Fiber reinforced Polymer, Glass reinforced Plastic or Laminated Veneers; metals such as tin or aluminum; organic materials such as wood or bamboo; paper and cellulose film. Any combination of the aforementioned materials are also possible. The housing 102 is generally sized to fit easily within a gift package such that the device can be located alongside any gift that would be included within a package, and without either damaging or being damaged by the gift or packaging. In an example embodiment, the housing is approximately the size of a business card or notecard, having a height of about 2-3 inches, a width of 3-4 inches, and a depth of up to about ½ inches. Other sizes are possible as well. In general the housing 102 is sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection (e.g., based on either weight or size).

As further illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, the novelty device 100 includes a sound generator module disposed within the housing on a circuit board 101, and including a speaker 104, an audio circuit 106, and one or more batteries 108. A plurality of ports 105 (seen in FIG. 2) can be disposed in the housing 102 and usable to allow sounds emitted from the speaker 104 to projected from the device 100. The speaker 104 is electrically connected to the audio circuit, which is configured to store one or more recordable sounds. The device 100 further includes a movement detection circuit 110 integrated within the housing 102 and configured to activate the sound generator module to playback a recordable sound stored in the audio circuit 106 via speaker 104 upon detection of a shaking action of the novelty device (and associated package). Optionally, an indicator, such as LED 109, can also be activated during playback, to otherwise indicate that playback should be occurring. The movement detection circuit 110 is also configured to activate the vibration module 117 upon detection of a shaking action of the novelty device and associated package. It is noted that the volume of the playback of sound can vary, but is generally sufficiently loud to be perceptible even when positioned within a package (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4), and such that others nearby can hear that the shaking has occurred. Preferably, the volume is sufficiently loud to startle the gift recipient.

In some embodiments, the device 100 optionally includes a sound capture circuit including a push button 112 mounted to the circuit board 101 and microphone 114 electrically connected thereto. The sound capture circuit is configured such that, upon depression of the push button 112, sounds captured by the microphone 114 are captured and stored in the audio circuit 106 for playback by the sound generator module.

In the embodiment shown, the novelty device 100 also optionally includes a movement module 117, which can be configured, for example, to cause vibration of the device (e.g., fast paced vibration or a bouncing pattern). The movement module 117 is configured such that, upon detection of a shaking action of the device and associated package, the vibration unit will be activated. The vibration pattern may be selected from a plurality of stored vibration patterns. In optional embodiments, the movement module 117 includes a vibration motor configured to be activated by a signal from circuit board 101, to initiate vibration of the device 100.

In alternative embodiments, the device 100 may lack the push button 112 and microphone 114, but rather will be configured to have one or more pre-stored sounds captured by the audio circuit 106 for playback. In still other embodiments, the device 100 may lack the movement module 117 altogether.

In yet other embodiments, device 100 may comprise both the movement module 117 and the sound generator module such that particular sounds can be coupled to particular vibrational patterns. For example, upon shaking of the device, the sound of a beating heart may be activated concurrently with a rhythmic vibration resembling that of a heart. The volume and intensity of the sound and vibration, respectively, can be adjusted. The device 100 further includes an on/off switch 116 integrated with the circuit board 101, usable to disable the device to conserve battery capacity, as well as to disable use of the device during transport (when such shaking or jostling may occur but is not intended to cause activation of the device).

The device 100 may include a component that may allow the user to disable use of the device while the main body of the device is concealed or inside a package. For example, the device 100 may include a wireless (e.g., RFID) receiving at which remote signals can be received to activate the device. This would allow a user to transport the device while inside a package, and activate the device within the package when the package is in a resting position, without having to carry the device 100 and associated, pre-wrapped package and risk activation of the device.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device 100 can be placed within a package 200, such that, when the package 200 is shaken by an intended recipient, the movement detection circuit 110 triggers operation of the sound emitting circuit and/or the vibration module 118.

Referring to FIG. 5, a method 300 for use of a novelty system is disclosed. The method 300 includes downloading an application to a mobile device (step 302), and activating the device 100, for example using on/off switch 116 (step 304). The method can further include recording one or more sounds on the device 100, for example by depressing push button 112 to capture a sound with the microphone 114, while simultaneously operating the downloaded application to output a prerecorded sound provided in the application (step 306). Such sounds can include, for example, breaking glass, an angry cat, a car alarm, a crying baby, a burp, a fart, a scream, and a dog barking. Of course, this list of sounds is merely exemplary; other prerecorded sounds could also be used, or downloadable from the server 12 of FIG. 1. In alternative embodiments, the user can elect to record a message in his/her own voice, or some other custom message capable of being captured by the microphone 114.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method 400 for use of a novelty system is disclosed. The method 700 includes downloading an application to a mobile device (step 402), and activating the vibration module on device 100 (step 404). The method can further include selecting a desirable vibration pattern on the device (step 406). Such vibration patterns can include a heartbeat pattern, a rapid ticking pattern, a prolonged buzzing, etc. Of course, this list of vibration patterns is merely exemplary; other patterns could also be used, or downloadable from the server 12 of FIG. 1. In alternative embodiments, the user can select patterns that complement the selected sound effect. Once the sound is recorded and/or the vibration pattern is chosen, the user can place the device 100 within a package 200 (step 408), and provide the package to an intended recipient. The device will then detect movement, such as a shaking operation by the intended recipient (step 408). Upon detecting such a shaking operation, the movement detection circuit 110 will activate the sound or vibration generator module to output the recorded sound or vibration from the speaker 104 (step 410).

It is noted that, in conjunction with the present disclosure, in some instances a user can use a mobile device, such as mobile device 14, directly in place of device 100 by placing that device within a package. This may be sub-optimal in that the owner of mobile device 14 may not wish to place his/her phone in a package in some circumstances; as such, the low-cost device 100 of FIGS. 1-3 is preferable. However, in the case where a mobile device 14 is used, the mobile application downloaded thereto will include settings to indicate to the device that it should stay awake for an extended period of time in a simulation mode, allowing that user to wrap the mobile phone in the gift and provide that gift to the recipient without the phone entering a sleep state. Furthermore, the mobile device 14 can play back a sound or vibrate, analogously to the manner described above on connection with FIGS. 1-6.

In such cases where a mobile device 14 is used, that mobile device could have a plurality of settings that are remotely alterable. For example, the playback of a sound or vibration on the mobile device 14 could be activated or deactivated remotely, or alternatively the sound to be played back could also be changed remotely. This would allow a user of the mobile phone version of the device to customize the sound or vibration to the circumstances in which the package is opened (e.g., by commenting on something worn or said by the person opening, and therefore shaking, the package containing the mobile device 14). Furthermore, remote actions may be set to trigger a sound or vibration, such as an alarm at a predetermined time, an occurrence of a doorbell being detected, or a detection of some other remote event.

In connection with the present disclosure, a further device could be contemplated that allows for the functionality described above in which the mobile device is placed within a package, but which does not require the mobile device itself. For example, the device 100 could be configured with communication mechanisms (e.g., via WiFi or other wireless communication means) that would allow that device to receive sound files, programming, or triggering signals from a remote system (e.g., from the mobile device 14 executing a downloadable application that includes such remote communication options).

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, still further methods for use of a novelty system are disclosed. In such embodiments, the novelty device used can take the form of a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

In FIG. 7, a method 500 is disclosed that includes downloading an application to a mobile device (step 502), and activating the device and application (step 504). This can include activating a vibration or sound mode of the device. The method includes configuring a gift mode of the device (step 506), and setting a gift message (step 508). This can include setting up a pin number or activation code that allows entry or exit of a low-power mode of the mobile device (e.g., deactivated radios, GPS, etc.) to conserve battery power, as well as allowing a user to prepare a message to be communicated to a gift package recipient that will include the mobile device. The method includes placing the mobile device within the package (step 510).

The mobile device will then detect movement (step 512), for example once the package is presented to a gift recipient. If movement (e.g., shaking, tilting, etc.) is detected, the mobile device will emit a sound or vibration (step 514), depending on the configuration of the device in steps 504-506. If no movement is detected, the device can also optionally receive a deactivation code (step 516). If no deactivation code is presented, the device continues to monitor for movement, returning to step 512. If a deactivation code is received (e.g., input from a gift recipient, after receiving the code from the original user), a gift message is then presented to the user (step 518).

In FIG. 8, a method 600 is disclosed that is largely analogous to the one shown in FIG. 7, but allows for more advanced features of the gift mode. In FIG. 8, a method 600 is disclosed that includes downloading an application to a mobile device (step 602), and activating the device and application (step 604). This can include activating a vibration or sound mode of the device. The method further includes registering online (step 606) as a gift giver with a server, such as the server 12 of FIG. 1. The user will then log in to the registered account (step 608), and identify a particular device as a receiver of settings from the server (step 610). The user will then configure a message to be presented to the recipient, and activate a gift mode of the mobile device (step 612) prior to placing the device in a package (step 614).

As in FIG. 7, the mobile device will then detect movement (step 616), for example once the package is presented to a gift recipient. If movement (e.g., shaking, tilting, etc.) is detected, the mobile device will emit a sound or vibration (step 618), depending on the configuration of the device in steps 504-506. If no movement is detected, the device can also optionally receive a deactivation code (step 620). If no deactivation code is presented, the device continues to monitor for movement, returning to step 616. If a deactivation code is received (e.g., input from a gift recipient, after receiving the code from the original user), a gift message is then presented to the user (step 622).

In the arrangement of FIG. 8, it is noted that the gift mode may leave some communications connections active, for example to receive notices from a remote device or the server to reprogram a particular sound to be emitted by the mobile device in step 618, or to emit additional sounds or vibrations periodically. This can enhance the entertainment value of the overall system (by increasing confusion of the gift recipient).

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate example user interface screens 700-900 of an application executable on a mobile device and usable to transfer sounds or vibration patterns to the novelty device. As shown in FIG. 9, a screen 700 allows a user to select from among a plurality of simulation modes (seen in FIGS. 10-11, or to visit a website to order one or more of the novelty devices. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the application can include a screen 800 providing a trial mode, simulating operation of the device 100 using movement detection circuitry (e.g. gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc.) integrated into a mobile device. FIG. 11 illustrates a screen 900 that allows a user to view and playback various sample prerecorded sounds, such as the breaking glass, angry cat, car alarm, crying baby, burp, fart, scream, and dog barking sounds mentioned above. Other sounds could be used as well, in a manner consistent with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12-16 illustrate further example user interface screens 1000-1400 of an application executable on a mobile device that is intended to be used as the sound emitting device. FIG. 12 illustrates a screen 1000 that is analogous to screen 700 of FIG. 9, but includes a gift mode option 1002 in which the device can be set to be used as the sound emitting device. FIG. 13 illustrates a screen 1100 that includes a plurality of settings adjustable by a user, including defining one or more actions to take in the event of shake events or tilt events, including recording one or more messages, settings sound effects, and setting a gift message to be displayed. Once the “start” option on screen 1100 is selected, screen 1200 of FIG. 14 is displayed, and the shaking/tilt detection is initiated. Upon entering a code or touching a screen of the mobile device, a screen 1300 of FIG. 15 shows a simulated opening of a gift, and includes a link 1302. When the gift recipient selects the link 1302, screen 1300 of FIG. 16 is displayed, which presents the gift message entered in screen 1100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-16, and in particular computing systems embodying the methods and systems of FIGS. 1 and 5-16, it is noted that various computing systems can be used to assist in performing at least some of the processes disclosed herein. For example, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in various types of electrical circuits comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to electrical, mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, aspects of the methods described herein can be practiced within a general purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media. Further, the disclosed methods' stages may be modified in any manner, including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deleting stages, without departing from the overall concept of the present disclosure. 

1. A novelty system comprising: a novelty device including: a housing sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection; a sound generator module disposed within the housing, the sound generator module including a speaker, an audio circuit, and a battery, wherein the audio circuit is configured to store one or more recordable sounds; a sound capture circuit including a push button and microphone, wherein, upon depression of the push button, sounds captured by the microphone are captured and stored in the audio circuit for playback by the sound generator module; and a movement detection circuit integrated within the housing and configured to activate the sound generator module to playback a recordable sound stored in the audio circuit upon detection of a shaking action of the novelty device.
 2. The novelty system of claim 1, further comprising a mobile application downloadable to a mobile device, the mobile application including a plurality of selectable prerecorded sounds usable by the novelty device by capturing playback of one of the selectable prerecorded sounds via the microphone.
 3. The novelty system of claim 2, wherein the selectable prerecorded sounds are selected from a group consisting of: breaking glass; an angry cat; a car alarm; a crying baby; a burp; a fart; a scream; and a dog barking.
 4. The novelty system of claim 1, wherein the recordable sound comprises a voice captured upon depression of the push button.
 5. The novelty system of claim 1, further comprising an on/off switch.
 6. The novelty system of claim 1, wherein the novelty device comprises a mobile device operating in a gift mode.
 7. The novelty system of claim 6, wherein the mobile device is configured to establish a communicative connection to a server remote from the mobile device when in the gift mode.
 8. A method of providing a gift to an intended recipient, comprising: depressing a push button switch on a novelty device to capture an intended sound in an audio circuit of the sound emitting device, the device having a housing sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection, and the audio circuit and push button switch integrated therein alongside a microphone usable to capture the intended sound, the audio circuit electrically connected to a speaker also positioned within the housing; affixing the novelty device within a gift package; wherein, upon the gift package being shaken by an intended recipient, the intended sound is emitted from the speaker of the novelty device.
 9. A novelty device including: a housing sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection; a sound generator module disposed within the housing, the sound generator module including a speaker, an audio circuit, and a battery, wherein the audio circuit is configured to store one or more recordable sounds; a movement detection circuit integrated within the housing and configured to activate the sound generator module to playback a recordable sound stored in the audio circuit upon detection of a shaking action of the novelty device.
 10. A novelty system comprising: a novelty device including: a housing sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection; a vibration module disposed within the housing, the sound generator module including a vibration motor, a vibration circuit, and a battery, wherein the vibration circuit is configured to store one or more vibration patterns; a movement detection circuit integrated within the housing and configured to activate the vibration module to play a vibration pattern stored in the vibration circuit upon detection of a shaking action of the novelty device.
 11. A novelty system comprising: a novelty device including: a housing sized and configured for positioning within a gift package without detection; a movement module disposed within the housing and configured to store one or more vibration patterns; a sound generator module disposed within the housing, the sound generator module including a speaker, an audio circuit, and a battery, wherein the audio circuit is configured to store one or more recordable sounds; a sound capture circuit including a push button and microphone, wherein, upon depression of the push button, sounds captured by the microphone are captured and stored in the audio circuit for playback by the sound generator module; and a movement detection circuit integrated within the housing and configured to generate outputs upon detection of a shaking action of the novelty device, wherein the outputs comprise one or more of: activation of the sound generator module to playback a recordable sound stored in the audio circuit; and activation of the vibration module to trigger a vibration pattern stored in the vibration circuit.
 12. The novelty system of claim 11, wherein the novelty device comprises a mobile device in a gift mode.
 13. The novelty system of claim 12, further comprising a server communicatively connected to the mobile device, the server configured to receive registration of an identifier of the mobile device.
 14. The novelty system of claim 13, wherein the server is configured to transmit one or more sound effects to the mobile device at predetermined times for playback. 